A great way to explore the island independently
NO TRAINS IN CYPRUS
There are no trains in Cyprus so the only way to get around is by road. Buses offer the most economic way of travelling around the island, but they follow a regular schedule and offer a reduced service at night. Taxis are another option, but they can be expensive and unreliable. Therefore, car hire is the preferred choice for most that want to travel around the island at their own pace. Hiring a car offers a great independent way to explore the island’s major attractions, cities, towns & villages. Arranging car hire is easy and this cost effective mode of transport, offers drivers freedom and flexibility. There are a number of options available and arrangements to collect and then return a hire car at both of the island’s international airports can easily be arranged.
CAR HIRE OPERATORS
There are a number of car hire operators that offer a fully personalised service and accept online bookings. They will meet and greet visitors at the airport and they will offer a vast choice of reliable vehicles. Economy to luxury car options are available and tailored booking conditions and excess insurance liabilities of choice are also available. Child seats or quotes for additional drivers can also easily be arranged and all vehicles are normally supplied with a full tank of fuel. Minimum and maximum age requirements apply when hiring a car and a full valid driving license that has been held for at least one year will be required. Visitors from the EU and UK do not have to aquire any special driving permits,
but visitors outside of the EU and UK will need to obtain an international driving permit. Obtaining a permit is relatively easy and this has to be aquired from the driver’s home country before travelling to Cyprus. Some rental firms require a deposit if a full insurance option is not selected, so a valid credit card may be required along with the driver’s passport. No money is taken, but a block for the deposit amount is placed on the credit card and this is removed almost immediately after a satisfactory inspection of the vehicle is carried out.
RIGHT HAND DRIVE
Vehicles in Cyprus are right hand drive, meaning that they are driven on the left hand side of the road. All road signs are in English and speeding limits are imposed in kilometres. Cyprus has recently joined the traffic camera revolution and authorites now enforce instant strict fines of up to €300 for traffic violations. Static traffic cameras have been installed at busy junctions and traffic lights all over the island and these cameras fine drivers not only for going through a red light, but also stopping on or passing any white stop lines. Mobile speed cameras are placed in vans and these can also be found all over the isalnd. Drivers are advised to use a phone application, such as ‘Waze‘ to keep themselves updated as to where some of these cameras are placed.
SEAT BELTS
The wearing of seat belts is compulsory for front and rear passengers. Children under five cannot travel as a front seat passenger and smoking in a car with under aged passengers is prohibited. The use of a mobile phone, as well as eating and drinking at the wheel are also prohibited. Some of the cameras can track any of these violations and will issue fines along with photographic evidence to drivers . Speed limits in Cyprus are sign posted and they are 100 km on motorways, 80 km on other dual carriageways and 50 km in built-up areas.
